Engineering physics employment prospects

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the employment prospects and academic considerations of pursuing a degree in engineering physics. Participants explore the breadth of the program, its relevance to R&D positions, and comparisons with traditional engineering fields such as electrical and mechanical engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses enthusiasm for the engineering physics program at UBC and U of T, highlighting its unique co-op opportunities and diverse specializations, but raises concerns about job prospects and whether the degree is perceived as too broad by employers.
  • Another participant suggests that engineering physics is highly regarded but implies that it may focus too much on electronics at the expense of mathematics.
  • Several participants question what constitutes a good engineering physics program, with one noting that the quality may depend on the desired master's specialization.
  • A participant references the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden as a prestigious option, suggesting that the curriculum allows for a wide range of master's choices, from theoretical physics to aerospace engineering.
  • There is a suggestion that the foundational courses in engineering programs are often similar, which may alleviate concerns about the specific curriculum of engineering physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value and focus of engineering physics programs, with no consensus on the best program or the implications for employment prospects. Concerns about the degree's breadth and its reception by employers remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying definitions of what constitutes a "good" engineering physics program and the potential impact of specialization on job opportunities. The discussion does not resolve the question of whether an engineering physics degree is too broad for specific engineering roles.

Hyperfluxe
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Hello,

I recently developed an interest in the engineering physics program. The best engineering physics program in Canada is at UBC and U of T: take a look at the courses http://www.engphys.ubc.ca/courses/course-tables/ All the courses sound very interesting to me, and it definitely sounds like the perfect program for me, plus it's the only engineering physics coop program in Canada. The only reason that I'm reluctant is because of employment opportunities. My ultimate goal is an R&D position, it seems as an engineering physics degree would be best for me.

How are the job prospects for this degree? Is it too broad (jack of all trades) that employers won't hire you? I am debating between electrical and mechanical engineering, which engineering physics encompasses (plus mechatronics and computer engineering). Would it be better to go into an old fashioned field (electrical or mechanical) for R&D? Salary does not matter, I'm sure any job title with engineer in it pays decent enough. Will I be able to apply for electrical engineering or mechanical engineering specific jobs? I've done a job search, there are very few jobs that specially demand an engineering physics degree, so I'm a little worried.

It's just that this degree sounds the most interesting, it's broad and you can specialize in so many things such as microelectronics, photonics, plasma physics, optics and laser, mechatronics, etc. The best of both worlds. I'd like to read people's opinions on this degree. Thanks!
 
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Engineering physics is the creme de la creme of engineering, but that looks more like engineering physics with electronics. meaning too little math too much electronics.
 
So what would be a good engineering physics program? What is supposed to be a good eng phys program?
 
Hyperfluxe said:
So what would be a good engineering physics program? What is supposed to be a good eng phys program?

There is no good or bad. I guess it depends on what master you want to take.

Sweden's most prestigious engineering/science school Royal Institute of Technology has this curriculum:

http://www.kth.se/student/kurser/program/ctfys/ht11/arskurs1?l=en_UK

Then you can pick a master (2y) in anything from theoretical physics to aerospace engineering.

Dont worry too much about the courses almost all engineering degrees are the same in the beginning.
 

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